For those expecting today’s SPFL EGM to signal the end of the infighting that is currently tearing Scottish football apart, they should maybe think again, and after another day of statements and allegations, the 11 o’clock conference call will be far from routine.
For all the noise coming from clubs across the country and the, seemingly, never ending propaganda from Neil Doncaster, the SPFL CEO, there remains a voice that is notable by it’s silence.
In 2008 when Rangers faced fixture congestion in the lead up to the UEFA Cup final, Celtic led the way in blocking a request to extend the season so that the Gers had longer than two days to prepare for what could’ve been a famous day in Scottish football history.
“Sporting integrity” has long been Peter Lawwell’s mantra when discussing all things Rangers and in 2012, the now infamous terminology was wheeled out once again as the Ibrox club were forced to work their way back to the top flight from the depths of the Scottish leagues.
When re-construction was suggested to increase the top flight in the absence of Rangers, Hearts and Hibs, “sporting integrity” was the cry and again Lawwell got his way.
There are many questions that need to be answered by an investigation, but surprisingly, one that hasn’t even been asked by the Scottish media is – “why are Celtic remaining so quiet when there is a clear distrust of the current executive charged with running the game?” – their silence can only be taken as support in the way the game is governed despite years of crackpot “stop the 10” theories when a throw-in is given against them.
As one of the biggest clubs in the country they must have an opinion on how the game is currently being run in Scotland, however, they remain anonymous whilst Rangers, Aberdeen and Hearts all seek answers and lead the way for a clean up of the game.
There has been long held suspicions that with Murdoch MacLennan as SPFL Chairman, it prevents the need for Lawwell to get involved, after all, if you believe the former St Mirren Chairman, Stewart Gilmour, he is the one who is really in charge after all.